Thy Kingdom Come

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.    Matthew 6:10

Do you want God’s Kingdom to come? Or do you consider this just another utopia for the foolish masses? Or are you one of those who says yes? But please not yet. You still want to marry, raise a family, build a career, and travel the world. But after that, sure. God’s Kingdom then is welcome to come.

The attitude is if it doesn’t interfere with my goals and desires, then do come. Yet some still want to finish college and grow up. But then again, if God’s Kingdom came sooner, you wouldn’t have to repay your student loans. So should God’s kingdom come sooner than later?

I remember those early days growing up. When culture bombarded us with the fear of immediate doom from nuclear holocaust. Then the media followed up with the potential ice age. They over indulged us that all civilization will be soon destroyed. Then came the loud shouting of the need to control human population. The world couldn’t keep feeding its people and soon we will all be starving to death. But this is now displaced by climate alarmist. They now picture a world of melted glaziers and flooded cities. The doom and gloom folks have been around at least since my birth.

But today there is a new issue. The noise is getting louder. Who will govern us? Will the western democracies continue to survive? There are those who say we all would be happier if we had a socialistic government and own no private property. Some who even suggest that a communistic government is the best way for a people to live. Some believe a theological authorial worldwide government may be best. They all have their pros and cons. But the best of the worst still remains a republic democracy until God’s Kingdom fully arrives. Why?

Under a democratic republic, one can live-out dual citizenship. Yes, one can than freely serve God’s Kingdom and the law of the land. But because there is religious freedom, God’s kingdom is allowed to grow.

In theory, yes. But is this true. God’s government also seems to flourish in those areas where freedom is being hindered. For example, the Church today is growing faster in countries like China and Iran. There the governments are anti-Jesus. So why the growth? Is it possible because when people are free, they are allowed to indulge in whatever they choose? Whereas citizens of an autocratic state are limited to express themselves. Is it possible when freedom is suppressed, the desire to be free is stronger? Ever notice how freedom without a strong Godly-center leads to self-destruction?

Yes, Jesus came and preached that the Kingdom of God is now available. You can now live under the umbrella of God’s Will. A place where your efforts are supported by HIS Grace. A life under the tutelage of Jesus and Spirit. A taste of heaven in your everyday world.

God’s government is not about control from the top-down. Instead, God’s way begins from the heart of a person. When HE is allowed to live within the human psyche, HE sets the standard. HIS laws are written within your heart. You then have freedom within boundaries. HIS attributes of love, joy, and peace are also present. They flow from God through you and touch those around you. You become an active citizen disbursing God’s character wherever you go.

You serve a benevolent King. Yet you are also a sibling in the family business – the Government of God. Your mission is to serve the King and HIS people. You are to set policies and programs which allow all people to flourish. You treat others the way you would like to be treated. Your purpose is to extend God’s Will wherever you go. God’s Kingdom is actively involved wherever you go. You are HIS ambassador.

God’s Kingdom limits human carnal nature and allows HIS Spirit to influence one’s behavior. This happens when one lives in a trustful relationship with their heavenly Father. They want all people to find real freedom and fulfillment in life. Yes, people fail. But God’s grace is extended. The inner drive of a citizen of God’s Kingdom is for what is best by God’s standard of righteousness and justice.

When Jesus’ Kingship is acknowledged. When HIS people yield to HIM and live out HIS vision for life. Then one begins to behold the impact HIS Kingdom has in their own life and those around them. This is when one’s prayer becomes more intentional for HIS kingdom to fully come on earth. Until then, we are most grateful to now experience the riches of living out HIS Kingdom ways each day in our small corner of the world.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Happiness, Science, Jesus

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

“my soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is”   Lamentations 3:17

The founding fathers of the United States believed in God. The Declaration of Independence states HE gave humanity certain unalienable Rights. These include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Most children growing up in the United States are familiar with this statement. The pursuit of happiness is indoctrinated into their belief system from an early age. Yet for many people, happiness is a mirage never obtained. Over time, despondency sets in. So how does one live a happy life?

An ongoing 85-year scientific study conducted by Harvard University has investigated this subject. Their conclusion may surprise many. They followed the life of over 700 diverse people from around the world. They started in 1938 and interviewed them every two years. Their conclusion? Long-term happiness isn’t a byproduct of accomplishments, wealth, nor health. But instead the social fitness of one’s relationships.

Isn’t that what Jesus emphasized?

HE reiterated the same some two thousand years ago. When asked what is the most important rule to follow in one’s life, He replied quoting from the Bible. In summary HE stated to love God with your whole being and others as yourself.

HE also highlighted the importance of relationships throughout HIS life. First with HIS heavenly Father, then with His disciples, and lasting with HIS family. Today, HE relates and intervenes for all who seek HIM.

When Jesus becomes your reference point, you then have a north star to follow. You also have a mentor to emulate. Plus you find purpose and meaning for your life. All built on eternal values which are long lasting and fruitful.

You have a proven King to govern and protect you. You develop relationships with others who have accepted HIM. You discover a way of life that produces freedom, flourishment, and fulfillment. Not just for yourself, but for all who practice HIS merits.

One doesn’t chase happiness. Happiness is the byproduct of a well lived life. It begins when one accepts responsibility to serve others for their success. When both sides of the relationship mutually serve each other, good things happen.

When Jesus made the statement that HE is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn. 14:6), HE emphasized what HE brings to the table for all humanity. A unifying relationship that brings God the Father and the Holy Spirit with HIM into your life. In fact, HE brings something better than happiness into your life. He brings heavenly joy into your being. Happiness is temporary and fleeting. But joy lasts a lifetime. HIS peace and joy HE gives you when you start hanging out with HIM.

When HE is the core of your life, circumstances may stink, but life is still good. HE fills you with HIS love, joy, and peace even when life around you is crazy. It starts and grows as you seek a personal relationship with HIM. HE becomes your Savior, King, and Friend. Pursue HIM and something better than happiness is the byproduct.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

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The Struggle To Serve

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  Galatians 5:13

Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Romans 14:18

Yes, the truth slapped me this past week. A friend called me in the middle of the day and asked for help. He was moving to a new place and had a few more items to haul away. He had one person coming to help and preferred to have more. If it was life and death, I would have dropped everything and went. Yet, I spent two hours doing yard work that morning and was tired and still hurting. So I negated the offer.

Afterward, I spent a few minutes talking to myself instead of to the Lord. I tried to justify my response. Instead, there was a small amount of guilt. When I prayed about it, I repented. Then it occurred to me, I have a natural tenancy to refrain from serving others when asked. If the need is within my gifting, no problem. But if it is outside my gifting, I drag my feet. If outside my schedule and priorities for the day, don’t bother me. If it doesn’t fit into my plans for the day, my immediate response is no.

The last time I took one of those spiritual gift tests, do you know what my lowest ranking gift is? Yep, service to others is last on my list. Right above it is compassion. Yet, the Holy Spirit has opened my heart toward people. When people are hurting, I feel their pain and look for ways to help them. But what about this service thing? How is the Holy Spirit working to change my heart when it comes to serving others?

Yes, we are encouraged throughout Scripture to serve one another. We mimic Jesus who came to serve (Luke 22:27). More important, we are reminded when we serve others, we are truly serving Jesus. But why is serving others so difficult at times?

In my case, my natural inclination is to become self-absorbed with my to-do- list. I have been trained to say no if it doesn’t fit into my plans for the day. There are days even the Lord has to hit me on the side of the head to grab my attention.

I recently read around 60% of the human population are naturally inclined to serve others. Yes, there are people whose gifting is to serve others. They find it natural. They are wired to serve others. Then there are people like myself who are not wired to serve others. The Holy Spirit has to do a work in us. In me, HE has begun. The challenge is my carnal desires. I slip into the human condition of a two-year-old. I want what I want. Yet as a mature adult, I recognize such tenancies. So, when those times arise, I need to be more responsive to the people around me. Also more attuned to what the Lord is bringing my way to better serve HIM.

Yes, the truth hurts. But it also opens the door to make one more aware of negative character traits. I want to be more like Jesus. Events such as this brings out where I stand in comparison with HIM. And it is not pretty. But I am thankful for HIS grace. HIS patience. HIS continual pursue of working with me. Less me, more HIM. The work continues.

Yes, service toward others is an expression of one’s love for others. My love bucket still needs a whole lot of work. What about yours?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved